Homelessness is a major issue in many cities across the country, and Toledo, Ohio, is no exception to this problem. According to the Lucas County Homelessness Board, an estimated 1600+ individuals experience homelessness in Toledo, including 322 families with children.

Think about this for a minute. No place for shelter. No warm bed. Uncertainty about the next meal. Things many of us take for granted every single day. The issue not only affects homeless individuals, but it also has broader social and economic implications for the city and surrounding communities as a whole. One has to ask? How is this possible? How does it happen? Like most, I would literally do anything to avoid being homeless. I can’t imagine. Are these victims of our society? Victims of circumstances? How does one get to this point?

Causes & Effects of Homelessness in Toledo, Ohio

There are a number of contributing factors to homelessness in Toledo, including but not limited to, poverty, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and crime, all can lead one down this path to being homeless.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports that right here in the Glass City, the poverty rate in Toledo was over 20% higher than the national average of around 10%. The correlation between high poverty rates and homelessness is a key driver of homelessness here in Toledo. Many individuals simply cannot afford the cost of housing, much less the increased prices of consumer goods. 

Unemployment

Unemployment is another major contributing factor to homelessness in Toledo. Unemployment rates have been improving in Toledo along with the State of Ohio, which are both hovering around 4%, but the outlook for the next 12 months is grim on this front as many companies are preparing to layoff the workforce in preparation for the recession that seems to be looming in the background. Be mindful of the correlation between unemployment and homelessness, as the rate of unemployment increases, the rate of homelessness follows - the two literally go hand-in-hand. 

When it comes to affordable housing, The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that in 2020, a minimum wage worker in Ohio would need to work 74 hours per week in order to afford a 1-bedroom apartment at fair market rent. For individuals or families living in poverty or experiencing unemployment, affording housing can be even more challenging. 

Mental Illness

Mental Illness Policy Org reports that nationwide, one-third of homeless persons have a serious mental illness, mostly schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. There is a direct correlation between being homeless and having a mental illness. Lack of treatment for the most seriously mentally ill causes the kind of delusions and bizarre behavior that makes living on their own or with family members unbearable. As a consequence, many of their illnesses go untreated and they become homeless with the communities they live in forced to burden the cost of figuring a place for them to receive the help they need. NAMI Greater Toledo is one local organization that is dedicated to finding support for those in need of mental health support. 

Substance Abuse

Addiction is attributed to the cause of homelessness as well as the effect of homelessness. Although substance abuse is usually present after one has already become homeless, in some cases it substance can lead one down the path to homelessness. For example, by one choosing to get high rather than go to work, pay bills, or partake in day-to-day responsibilities, by not being present, poor choices can lead one down a road of no return. However, the relationship between substance abuse and homelessness happens after one has already become homeless.

Statistics show that the rates of addiction are higher in people who are homeless than in people who are not. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) cites that people who are homeless have a high risk of overdose from illicit substances. One study determined that homeless people had a higher risk of opioid overdose. Furthermore, the cost of rehab and the lack of resources available to homeless people can prevent them from seeking the treatment they need. However, there are programs available to help one break through the barriers to treatment such as government-funded programs like House First, which address a person’s housing issues first, and then offer a personal choice as to whether the person wants to address their substance abuse issues once housing is attained. 

Domestic Violence

Domestic abuse can be a significant factor in homelessness, particularly among women and children. Victims of domestic abuse often feel trapped or unable to leave an abusive partner. This can lead to a vicious cycle of abuse that continues for many years. In some cases, victims may be forced to leave their homes as an escape route from the abuse. Homelessness can be extremely challenging for survivors of domestic abuse who may have limited resources. It is important for survivors of domestic abuse to seek support and resources such as Leading Families Home, and their emergency family shelter, Beach House Family Shelter, in Toledo, Ohio, to help them escape their abusers and find safe and stable housing. These community resources provide services specifically for survivors of domestic abuse, including counseling and emergency housing. 

Crime

According to statistics from the Prison Policy Initiative, Americans who have been convicted of crimes and sent to prison more than once are 13 times more likely to become homeless than members of the general public. Those who have been incarcerated only once are seven times as likely to fall into homelessness. Some people find it difficult to locate a good-paying job, try finding one with a felony conviction of any kind on your record. Sadly, studies estimate that between 4-6% of people incarcerated in US prisons are actually innocent. Let’s cut that percentage in the middle at 5% - 5% of individuals are actually innocent, which means 1/20 criminal cases result in a wrongful conviction. There is a large fundament problem at hand, however, on the topic of crime as it relates to homelessness, similar to the substance abuse topic, crime is more of an effect of homeless rather than a leading cause. The National Institute of Health reports the overall rate of criminal offenses was 35 times higher in the homeless mentally ill population than in those who had a roof over their heads.

Impact of Homelessness in Toledo, Ohio

The impact of homelessness on individuals and families includes increased vulnerability to physical and mental health problems, substance abuse, domestic abuse, crime, malnutrition, and chronic illnesses. 

Homelessness can also have a negative impact on the broader community as a whole. Homeless individuals may engage in activities like panhandling, loitering, trespassing, and crime, which consequently elicit public safety concerns and overstretch our public resources including emergency medical services and law enforcement. 

To address the issue of homelessness in Toledo, Ohio, and everything that comes with it, local organizations and government agencies have a number of programs and services including but not limited to, emergency shelters, transitional housing, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and job training. Although the resources are available within our community, the need for affordable housing and support services remains high. Ongoing efforts are still being made every single day to address the root causes of homelessness and help those who are in the midst of this crisis. If you are experiencing a personal crisis and need immediate support or assistance please call 211 to speak to someone who can help or visit your local 211 website to explore the available resources.

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